Winter Storm Death Toll Hits 30 Across U.S./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A deadly winter storm has killed 30 across the U.S., blanketing regions in snow and ice. Hundreds of thousands remain without power as freezing temperatures persist. Officials warn of continued disruptions and another storm may be on the way.
Winter Storm Crisis: Quick Looks
- Death Toll Rises: At least 30 people have died across multiple states due to the massive storm and extreme cold.
- Severe Snowfall: Over a foot of snow buried areas from Arkansas to New England, with 20 inches north of Pittsburgh.
- Dangerous Wind Chills: Wind chills in some areas dropped to -25°F (-31°C) Monday night.
- Power Outages: Over 560,000 outages were reported nationwide, especially in Mississippi and Tennessee.
- School and University Closures: Schools shut down across the Northeast; the University of Mississippi canceled all classes for the week.
- Flight Disruptions: More than 12,000 flights were delayed or canceled Monday, stranding travelers at major hubs.
- Fatal Accidents: Victims included teens in sledding accidents, pedestrians struck by snowplows, and people found frozen outdoors.
- Economic Disruption: Damage reports, travel interruptions, and prolonged power outages suggest multi-state economic impact.
Deep Look: Winter Storm Death Toll Hits 30 Across U.S.
MINNEAPOLIS — Millions of Americans are facing continued life-threatening conditions after a massive winter storm dumped deep snow, froze the power grid, and contributed to at least 30 deaths from the Midwest to the Northeast and across the South.
The storm left a 1,300-mile trail of destruction stretching from Arkansas to New England, bringing more than 12 inches of snow to numerous cities and up to 20 inches near Pittsburgh, according to the National Weather Service. Alongside the snow came brutal wind chills reaching -25°F, as Arctic air surged southward.
Powerless in the Cold
By Monday evening, more than 560,000 customers were still without power, with the worst-hit areas in northern Mississippi and western Tennessee, where freezing rain felled power lines and trees.
In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves confirmed damage to at least 14 homes, 20 roads, and critical infrastructure. Emergency warming shelters were set up with generators, blankets, and bottled water.
Oxford, Mississippi—home to the University of Mississippi—saw widespread destruction.
Mayor Robyn Tannehill said, “It looks like a tornado went down every street.”
Flight Chaos, School Disruptions
The storm brought travel to a standstill, with over 12,000 flights delayed or canceled on Monday. Sunday marked the worst day for cancellations since the pandemic, with 45% of U.S. flights canceled.
The impact rippled beyond storm zones. Dallas–Fort Worth Airport, a key national hub, was heavily impacted, stranding travelers and crews alike.
Meanwhile, New York City recorded its snowiest day in years with up to 15 inches in some boroughs. Public schools closed, but remote learning replaced traditional snow days for nearly 500,000 students.
Deep Freeze Grips Nation
The Lower 48 states experienced their coldest average low in over a decade, with Monday’s average hitting -9.8°F (-12.3°C). From the Midwest to the Deep South, communities awoke to frozen pipes, icy roads, and blackout conditions.
In Nashville, 146,000 residents remained without power Monday night. Hotel rooms sold out as people fled their freezing homes. One resident, Alex Murray, booked a hotel to store breast milk for his infant daughter.
“We’re lucky we could afford a room. Not everyone has that option,” he said.
Tragic Fatalities Mount
As rescue and recovery operations continued, the storm’s deadly toll became clearer:
- In Kansas, a 28-year-old teacher was found frozen after leaving a bar without a coat.
- In Massachusetts and Ohio, two people were killed after being struck by snowplows.
- In Arkansas and Texas, teenagers died in sledding accidents.
- New York City reported eight people dead outdoors as temperatures plummeted.
- Additional deaths: 4 in Tennessee, 3 in Louisiana and Pennsylvania each, 2 in Mississippi, and 1 each in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Kentucky.
Authorities are investigating the causes and emphasizing safety warnings amid the prolonged freeze.
More Snow Possible
While light to moderate snow continued in New England Monday night, meteorologists warned of a potential new storm system forming that could impact the East Coast this coming weekend.
With two-thirds of the country still frozen, officials are urging residents to limit travel, conserve power, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
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